Fuel Additives

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to novel compositions for use in fuels, gasoline, diesel, coal, ethanol fuels, and biodiesel, and processes for making the same.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of the earlierfiling date of U.S. 60/867577 filed 26 Nov. 2006, U.S. 60/820736 filed28 Jul. 2006, U.S. 60/802780 filed 24 May 2006, and U.S. 60/786403 filed28 Mar. 2006.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to novel compositions for use in fuels, gasoline,diesel, coal, and biodiesel, and processes for making the same.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Increasing fuel efficiency and reducing pollution are activities whichhave moved over the last decades from being optional luxuries tonon-negotiable requirements critical to economic and environmentalsecurity. Much work has been done in the field of fuel technology toimprove fuel efficiency and to reduce pollution. However, inefficiencyand pollution from the combustion of diesel fuels, coal, gasoline,ethanol, and even natural gas remain significant problems.

As the demand for global fuel supplies increases with the rapid economicgrowth of major, newly industrialized countries, petroleum supply hasbeen squeezed resulting in higher fuel prices. This has lead toadditional research into alternative fuels as a way of increasing thissupply and to reduce pollutants, including coal gasification, coal todiesel conversion, biodiesel, and mixed fuels as examples. One simpleand immediate solution is to make better use of the supplies we alreadyhave.

SUMMARY

In light of the foregoing, an object of this invention is to provide animproved fuel additive for use with gasoline, diesel fuels, biodiesel,natural gas, coal fuels, and biomass fuels that provides at least one ofthe following benefits: an increase in power; an increase in combustionefficiency; an increase in fuel mileage; a smoother running engine;reduced fouling of the fuel system; cleaning the fuel system, includinginjectors; and diminishing “diesel rap” in diesel engines.

Another object of this invention is to improve home heating systems thatuse oil by providing at least one of the following benefits: better fuelatomization; hotter flame temperatures; more complete combustion; andless soot generation.

Yet another object of this invention is to improve coal-fired systems byproviding at least one of the following benefits: better fuelatomization for coal-oil slurries; hotter flame temperatures; morecomplete combustion; and less soot generation.

In preferred embodiments, the inventive subject matter comprises a fueladditive concentrate comprising: an alkali metal nitrate; and a organicsolvent.

The fuel additive concentrate above, wherein the alkali nitrate andorganic solvent create a about 5% to about 10% solution.

The fuel additive concentrate above, wherein the alkali nitrate islithium nitrate.

A fuel additive, comprising: the concentrate above in a ratio of 1 partconcentrate to about 10 to about 11 parts organic solvent.

The fuel additive above, wherein the organic solvent is selected fromisopropanol, methanol, ethanol, gasoline, diesel, biodiesel, C1-C12hydrocarbons, C1-C6 alcohols, and combinations thereof.

The fuel additive above, wherein the organic solvent is ethanol orisopropanol.

A process of treating fuel, comprising: adding the fuel additive aboveto fuel in a ratio selected from about 1 unit to a range of about 3000to about 20,000 units.

A fuel composition which comprises gasoline and a fuel additivecomprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.

A fuel composition which comprises diesel fuel and a fuel additivecomprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.

A fuel composition which comprises biodiesel and a fuel additivecomprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.

A fuel composition comprising coal and a fuel additive comprising analkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.

A fuel composition comprising jet fuel and a fuel additive comprising analkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.

A fuel composition comprising fuel oil and a fuel additive comprising analkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.

A fuel composition comprising a gasoline-ethanol mixture and a fueladditive comprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.

A method for improving the operation of a gasoline-powered, artificialignition, internal combustion engine, comprising providing to saidengine a fuel composition comprising gasoline and a fuel additivecomprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.

A method for improving the operation of a diesel-powered combustionengine, comprising providing to said engine a fuel compositioncomprising diesel or biodiesel fuel and a fuel additive comprising analkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.

A method for improving the operation of a coal-powered boiler or powerplant, comprising providing to said engine a fuel composition comprisingcoal and a fuel additive comprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organicsolvent.

A method for improving the operation of a jet engine, comprisingproviding to said engine a fuel composition comprising jet fuel and afuel additive comprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.

A method for improving the operation of a boiler, comprising providingto said boiler a fuel composition comprising fuel oil and a fueladditive comprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Definitions

The fuels which are contemplated for use in the fuel compositions of thepresent inventive subject matter are normally liquid hydrocarbon fuelsin the gasoline boiling range, including hydrocarbon base fuels. Theterm “petroleum distillate fuel” also is used to describe the fuelswhich can be utilized in the fuel compositions of the present inventivesubject matter and which have the above characteristic boiling points.The term, however, is not intended to be restricted to straight-rundistillate fractions. The distillate fuel can be straight-run distillatefuel, catalytically or thermally cracked (including hydro cracked)distillate fuel, or a mixture of straight-run distillate fuel, naphthasand the like with cracked distillate stocks. Also, the base fuels usedin the formation of the fuel compositions of the present inventivesubject matter can be treated in accordance with well-known commercialmethods, such as acid or caustic treatment, hydrogenation, solventrefining, clay treatment, etc.

Gasolines are supplied in a number of different grades depending on thetype of service for which they are intended. The gasolines utilized inthe present inventive subject matter include those designed as motor andaviation gasolines. Motor gasolines include those defined by ASTMspecification D-439-73 and are composed of a mixture of various types ofhydrocarbons including aromatics, olefins, paraffins, isoparaffins,napthenes and occasionally diolefins. Motor gasolines normally have aboiling range within the limits of about 70.degree. F. to 450.degree. F.while aviation gasolines have narrower boiling ranges, usually withinthe limits of about 100.degree. F. to 330.degree. F.

The inventive subject matter also contemplates the use of diesel fuels.Diesel fuel, as defined by the American Society of Testing andManagement (ASTM) Standard Specification for Fuel Oils (designation D396-86) or any of grade numbers 1-D, 2-D or 4-D, as specified in ASTM D975. More generally, diesel fuel can be a fuel oil No. 2 or No. 4petroleum distillates as well as alternative diesel fuels containingemulsified water or alcohols such as ethanol or methanol, very lowsulfur fuels (less than 0.05% sulfur), diesel fuel blends withbioderived components (animal and vegetable fats and oils, fractions andderivatives), and the like, as long as they exhibit volatility andcetane number characteristics effective for the purpose. Diesel fuelswill typically have a 90% distillation point within the range of 300degree to 390 degree C. and a viscosity of from 1 to 25 centistokes at40.degree. C.

Biodiesel includes fuels made from vegetable oils, including thosemodified to be microemulsion diesel fuels by addition of low carbonchain alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, or butanol, as well as alkalisoaps (stearates, oleates, etc.).

This inventive subject matter also contemplates the use of the fuelcompositions in ethanol with gasoline, fuel alcohol, natural gas, coal,and biomass.

The present inventive subject matter concerns lithium salts, esters, andso forth prepared with solvents to form fuel combustion and efficiencyimprovers. For calculation purposes, lithium has a molar mass of 6.941g/mol.

Preferred salts of the present inventive subject matter comprisenitrates. Nitrates are well known in the field of explosives and areknown oxidizers. Powdered lithium nitrate anhydrous is reported to be anoxidizing agent and flame colorant used in the manufacture of fireworksand flares.

The alkali metal nitrate salts herein can be expressed in terms of molarratios. For example, lithium has an atomic mass of 6.939 g/mol. Nitrate,comprising X—NO₃, comprises one nitrogen and three oxygen atoms.Nitrogen has an atomic mass of 14.0067 g/mol, oxygen has an atomic massof 15.994 g/mol, or one mole of NO₃ weighs 62.0049 grams. Thus, one moleof LiNO₃ has a calculated weight of about 68.9439 grams.

One feature is the selection of the salt. The following table shows thatalthough lithium chloride is soluble in organic solvents, it providesfor a worse function value of lubricity compared to lithium nitrate.Salt Selection - LUBRICITY (HFRR) nitrate chloride Lithium 0.513 0.576Control - commercial low 0.520 sulfur fuel “as is”, no additive

In preferred embodiments, the inventive subject matter includes fueladditive super concentrate (SC), a fuel additive (FA), and treated fuel.Importantly, we have found that an unusual feature is the dissolution ofan inorganic salt into an organic solvent. The terms super concentrateand concentrate are used interchangeably. These compositions are madeusing a quantitative range of LiNO₃ amounts. Preferred ranges of LiNO₃comprise 0.5 mol-2.5 mol, more preferably 0.8 mol-2.0 mol, morepreferably 0.9 mol-1.5 mol, and more preferably 0.9 mol-1.2 mol.Preferred ranges also comprise 1.0 mol-1.16 mol, 1.12 mol-1.16 mol, and1.12 mol-1.18 mol, as contemplated within the subject matter of theinventive subject matter. More specifically, per liter of solvent,concentrate may be made by adding the alkali metal salt, e.g. LiNO₃, inthe molar amounts listed herein, e.g. 2.5, 2.0, 1.5, 1.2, 1.18, 1.16,1.12, 1.0, 0.9, 0.8, 0.6, 0.58, 0.56, and 0.5 mol.

It is contemplated to be included within the present inventive subjectmatter that one or more of the lithium salts may be combined in varyingpercentages.

Solvents are used to create the super concentrate (SC) as well as beingused as a diluent for the fuel additive (FA). The solvent and diluentmay be the same or different between the SC and the FA and a singlesolvent/diluent or a combinations of solvents/diluents are used in boththe SC and the FA. The terms solvent and diluent refer to the step ofthe process in which they are being used, e.g. making the concentrate ormaking the additive, but the term solvent may also refer to the liquidportion of the solution being prepared. Solvents which may be used inthe present inventive subject matter include isopropanol (isopropylalcohol), ethanol, C1-C10 alkyl alcohols, gasoline, diesel fuel,biodiesel fuel, and solvent forms of primary, secondary, and mixedC1-C12 hydrocarbons. Isopropanol, methanol, ethanol, C1-C4 alkylalcohols and mixtures thereof are preferred.

Specific solvent and diluent combinations contemplated for creating theconcentrate, include 50-50 IPA/Ethanol, IPA 0-100% plus Ethanol 100-0%,IPA in concentrate with alcohol diluent, IPA for concentrate withgasohol 85 as diluent, and alcohol for concentrate with IPA as diluent.

Although fully within the skill of a chemist in this field, molar massesare provided below to aid in the calculation of molar solutions.Specific Gravity Molar Mass Solvent (Kg/cu.m) (g/mol) Isopropanol 785.460.09676 Ethanol 785.06 46.06962 Methanol 791.30 32.3294 Isobutanol801.6 74.1239 Vehicle 737.22 70-168 (119 average) (C_(n)H_(n),C_(n)H_(2n), gaseoline C_(n)H_(2n + 2), n = 5-12) Diesel 820-950 ˜170(C₁₂H₂₆ average) Fuel Oil 890.13 ˜196-280 (C_(n)H_(2n + 2), n = 14-20)Soy Bean Oil 930 ˜310 methyl ester Rapeseed Oil 880 ˜308 methyl esterLPG 500 44.1 E85 Gas 780-800 85% EtOH (70-168), 15% Gas (46.1) Gasohol780-800 90% Gas (70-168), 10% EtOH (46.1)

Although preferred solvents are specifically recited herein, it is alsowithin the knowledge of any ordinary chemist and intended to be includedherein that other solvents or mixtures of solvents, besides those listedabove, may be used with the metal nitrate salts herein to prepare theSC, the FA, and the fuel to be treated. The solvents are used herein tomake the concentrate as well as a diluent to convert the concentrate tothe fuel additive product. However, it is included herein that thesolvent for the concentrate may be the same or different from thediluent. Molar Solution-Concentrate${\%\quad{molar}\quad{solution}} = {\frac{\left( {{mol}\quad{alkali}\quad{metal}\quad{salt}} \right)}{\left( {{mol}\quad{alkali}\quad{metal}\quad{salt}} \right) + \left( {{{mol}/L}\quad{solvent}} \right)}\left( {\times 100} \right)}$Solvent % molar Alkali salt Salt (mol) Solvent mol/1 L solution LiNO₃1.16 iPrOH 13.07 8.15 EtOH 17.04 6.38 MeOH 24.48 4.53 iBuOH 10.81 9.69Gasoline 6.20 15-16 Diesel 5.24 18 Fuel Oil 3.7 24 Rapeseed methyl ester2.86 29*note: mol/L calculated as specific gravity/atomic mass

Solubility of lithium nitrate for various solvents is provided below.Lithium solubility Methanol <˜30 Ethanol <˜25 EtOH/IPA (50/50) <˜20Isopropanol <˜15 n-Butanol <˜13 2-Ethylhexanol <˜2 n-Decanol <˜1 Acetone<˜8

In a preferred embodiment, specific proportions of fuel additive in fuelwill provide specific yields in terms of fuel efficiency. Parts permillion can be calculated according to the following formula. Parts permillion - Treated Fuel 1 ppm = weight of a chemical added to a volume ofsolvent to give 1 ppm = 1 μ mol alkali metal nitrate/mol solvent = .001g alkali metal nitrate/Liter solvent = 0.0038 g/U.S. gallon

In a preferred embodiment, the present inventive subject matter providesabout 0.1 ppm Li in fuel. In a preferred embodiment, the ppm of Li infuel ranges from about 0.025 to about 1.0, and from about 0.05 to about0.5, and from about 0.075 to about 0.25, and from about 0.09 to about0.15, and any numerical ranges therebetween.

In other preferred embodiments, the amount of Li in fuel provides arange of combustion yield increases, including from about 5%-30%increase in yield, about 10%-25% increase in yield, about 18%-22%increase in yield, and about 10%-15% increase in yield, with yieldranges including the numerical values therebetween as well. Typicalyield increases are about 4-10% depending on the quality of the fuel.Yield is measured by vehicle fuel economy, by increase in Btu'sproduced, and by other similar known methods.

The following examples are not meant to be limiting and where, forexample, ratios of about 1 liter to about 4000 liters, are stated, itcan also be reasonably interpreted as an of about 1 unit to about 4000units.

EXAMPLES Example 1 LiNO₃ Super Concentrate—Isopropanol

A process of preparing a lithium nitrate super concentrate comprisesmixing into solution 1.69 moles of lithium nitrate in 15.23 molesisopropanol. This provides a LiNO₃ super concentrate.

Example 2 LiNO3 Super Concentrate—Ethanol

A process of preparing a lithium nitrate concentrate comprises mixinginto solution 1.69 moles of lithium nitrate in 19.54 moles ethanol. Thisprovides a LiNO₃ super concentrate.

Example 3 LiNO3 Super Concentrate—Methanol

A process of preparing a lithium nitrate concentrate comprises mixinginto solution 1.69 moles of lithium nitrate in 32.33 moles methanol.This provides a LiNO₃ super concentrate.

Example 4 LiNO₃ Super Concentrate—Isopropanol

A process of preparing a lithium nitrate super concentrate comprisesmixing into solution 0.85 moles of lithium nitrate in 15.23 molesisopropanol. This provides a LiNO₃ super concentrate.

Example 5 LiNO3 Super Concentrate—Ethanol

A process of preparing a lithium nitrate concentrate comprises mixinginto solution 0.85 moles of lithium nitrate in 19.54 moles ethanol. Thisprovides a LiNO₃ super concentrate.

Example 6 LiNO3 Super Concentrate—Methanol

A process of preparing a lithium nitrate concentrate comprises mixinginto solution 0.85 moles of lithium nitrate in 32.33 moles methanol.This provides a LiNO₃ super concentrate.

Example 7 Fuel Additive (FA)

A process of preparing a fuel additive comprises diluting a superconcentrate as described herein in a ratio of about 1 part to about 11parts solvent/diluent.

Example 8 Fuel Additive (FA)

A process of preparing a fuel additive comprises diluting a superconcentrate as described herein in a ratio of about 1 part to about 10parts solvent/diluent.

Example 9 Li with Isopropanol Diluent

A process of preparing a lithium nitrate fuel additive (FA) whichcomprises diluting a lithium nitrate superconcentrate in a ratio ofabout 1 part concentrate to about 10 to 11 parts isopropanol (total of11 or 12 parts, respectively).

Example 10 Li with EtOH Diluent

A process of preparing a lithium nitrate fuel additive (FA) whichcomprises diluting a lithium nitrate super concentrate in a ratio ofabout 1 part concentrate to about 10 to 11 parts ethanol (total of 11 to12).

Example 11 Combination of Salts

A process of preparing a super concentrate fuel additive which comprisescombining one or more nitrate salts of an alkali metal and mixing into achemically reasonable solvent, creating a 3%-20% concentrate solution.

Example 12

A process of preparing a fuel additive which comprises diluting a 3%-20%super concentrate solution in a ratio of about 1 part concentrate toabout 5 to about 20 parts solvent.

Example 13 Treatment

A process of treating fuel or enhancing combustion of a fuel sourcewhich comprises mixing about 1 liter of fuel additive (FA) to about 3000to 4000 liters of fuel.

Example 14

A process of treating fuel or enhancing combustion of a fuel sourcewhich comprises mixing about 1 liter of fuel additive to a range ofabout 2000 liters to about 15,000 liters of fuel.

Example 15

A process of treating fuel or enhancing combustion of a fuel sourcewhich comprises mixing about 1 liter of fuel additive to a range ofabout 6000 liters to about 15,000 liters of fuel.

Example 16

A process of treating fuel or enhancing combustion of a fuel sourcewhich comprises mixing about 1 liter of fuel additive to a range ofabout 10,000 liters to about 20,000 liters of fuel.

Example 17 Biodiesel Plus Diesel as Diluent

A process of preparing a fuel additive which comprises diluting a 3%-20%concentrate solution in a ratio of 1 part concentrate to from about 5 toabout 20 parts biodiesel fuel plus diesel fuel combination.

Example 18 Biodiesel Diluent

A process of preparing a fuel additive which comprises diluting a 3%-20%concentrate solution in a ratio of 1 part concentrate to from about 5 toabout 20 parts biodiesel fuel.

Example 19 Diesel Diluent

A process of preparing a fuel additive which comprises diluting a 3%-20%concentrate solution in a ratio of 1 part concentrate to from about 5 toabout 20 parts diesel fuel.

Example 20 EtOH with Gasoline

A process of preparing a fuel additive which comprises diluting a 3%-20%concentrate solution in a ratio of 1 part concentrate to from about 5 toabout 20 parts ethanol with gasoline fuel.

Example 21

A process of treating fuel or enhancing combustion of a fuel sourcewhich comprises mixing about 1 liter of fuel additive to a range ofabout 4000 to about 10,000, or about 6000 to about 20,000, or about10,000 liters to about 20,000 liters, of ethanol with gasoline.

Example 22 Fuel Alcohol

A process of preparing a fuel additive which comprises diluting a 3%-20%concentrate solution in a ratio of 1 part concentrate to 1 part fuelalcohol.

Example 23

A process of treating boiler fuel, e.g. DIESEL 2, DIESEL 6 OR BUNKEROIL, which comprises mixing about 1 unit fuel additive to about 4,000units of fuel.

Example 24

A process of treating natural gas where the fuel additive is atomizedaccording to the equivalent CNG volume.

Example 25

A process of treat coal or biomass fuel for combustion where the fueladditive is added directly into the burner at equivalent volumes.

Example 26

A treated fuel wherein concentrate is added in a ratio selected from thegroup consisting of 1:3000, 1:4000, 1:1000, 1:3000, and 1:6000 of finalmix examples.

Example 27 Superconcentrate with IPA/Ethanol as Diluent

A process of preparing a fuel additive which comprises diluting asuperconcentrate as described herein with a diluent of IPA mixed withEthanol in a 50/50 ratio.

Example 28 Superconcentrate with IPA/Ethanol as Diluent

A process of preparing a fuel additive which comprises diluting asuperconcentrate as described herein with a diluent of IPA 0%-100% mixedwith Ethanol 100%-0%.

Example 29 Superconcentrate IPA with Ethanol as Diluent

A process of preparing a fuel additive which comprises diluting asuperconcentrate made with IPA as described herein with a diluent ofethanol.

Example 30 Superconcentrate IPA with Gasohol as Diluent

A process of preparing a fuel additive which comprises diluting asuperconcentrate made with IPA as described herein with a diluent ofgasohol.

Example 31 Superconcentrate Ethanol with IPA as Diluent

A process of preparing a fuel additive which comprises diluting asuperconcentrate made with ethanol as described herein with a diluent ofIPA.

Example 32 Boat Testing

Fuel additive was added to diesel fuel used in a boat engine. It wasobserved that fuel consumption decreased 13.5% and power increased 12.5%according to the On-Board Engine Computer.

Example 33

The Mechanical Engineering Department of a Major University was asked toconduct tests using semi-trailer trucks (lorries). Test resultsindicated an 8% milage increase on a large fully loaded 18-wheelertruck. Further, a 10% efficiency gain was observed during testing on adiesel powered generator set. Anecdotally, the driver stated that he wasable to climb a steep grade using a higher gear ratio (3 gears higher)indicating an increase in horsepower production.

Example 34

Six (6) vehicles from the Santiago, Chile Bus Fleet were tested forreduction of diesel smoke. Data was collected concerning the opacityreduction of the diesel smoke.

Results are below. Diesel Smoke Reduction - Santiago Bus Fleet VehiclesVehicle Identifier Year Manufactured Opacity Reduction TJ-9265 2000 45%UJ-7537 2001 32% UU-9571 2001 33% UK-7780 2001 36% UF-8932 2001 36%KK-6364 2001 36% (truck)

Example 35

Four (4) vehicle types belonging to various institutions of TheDominican Republic were tested for efficiency increases in their Km perGal. The data is provided below along with the percentage increasebefore and after using the fuel additive. Fuel was dispensed from asingle supply source. Km/Gal w/o Km/Gal with Vehicles Additive Additive% Increase DR1 30.17 35.11 16.37 DR2 26.98 29.34 13.15 DR3  6.85  8.5919.90 (420 buses) average average DR4 12.4 17.63 29.69 (52 buses)average average

Example 36 BTU Increase

ASTM D-240 Sample Value (Btu/lb) % Increase Diesel 2 18345 ± 5% Diesel 2with 20177 ± 5% +10% Fuel Additive Gasoline 84 19353 ± 5% Gasoline 84with 20715 ± 5% +7% Fuel Additive Kerosene 17802 ± 5% Kerosene with19496 ± 5% +9.5% Fuel Additive Ethanol 17039 ± 5% Ethanol with 18787 ±5% +10.3% Fuel Additive Gasoline 97 22273 ± 5% octane Gasoline 97 24154± 5% +8.4% octane with Fuel Additive

Example 37 BTU Increase

ASTM D-240 Sample Value (Btu/lb) % Increase Gasoline Reg. 18104 GasolineReg. with 19639 8.4 Fuel Additive Gasoline Premium 18199 Gasoline Prem.with 19049 4.7 Fuel Additive Fuel Oil 17865 Fuel Oil with 18449 3.3 FuelAdditive Diesel #2 18352 Diesel #2 with 19639 7.0 Fuel Additive

Example 38 - LUBRICITY

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as of the early 1990sestimated that the average sulfur content of on-highway diesel fuel isapproximately 0.25% by weight and had required this level be reduced tono more than 0.05% by weight by Oct. 1, 1993. The EPA also required thatthis diesel fuel have a minimum cetane index specification of 40 (ormeet a maximum aromatics level of 35%). The objective of this rule wasto reduce sulfate particulate and carbonaceous and organic particulateemissions. See, Federal Register, Vol. 55, No. 162, Aug. 21, 1990, pp.34120-34151. Low-sulfur diesel fuels and technology for meeting theseemission requirements are commercially interesting. One approach tomeeting these requirements was to provide a low-sulfur diesel fueladditive that could be effectively used in a low-sulfur diesel fuelenvironment to reduce the ignition temperatures of soot that iscollected in the particulate traps of diesel engines. However, reducingsulfur in diesel also reduces the ability of the fuel to lubricateengine parts, e.g. high pressure pump and injectors are fuel lubricated.Accordingly, reducing sulfur increases engine wear.

One of the tests for lubricity is the HFRR test (High FrequencyReciprocating Rig) method. According to government standards, themaximum allowable lubricity value (HFRR) is as follows: Europe, India,Australia 460 um (ISO 12156-1) USA 520 um (ASTM D 6079)For example, lubricity measured at 690 um shows increased wear at therotor pin groove, and the washer disc housing.

Samples of diesel fuel were tested for lubricity. In all cases,lubricity was improved due to the addition of fuel additive (FA). DieselFuel Lubricity Lubricity with Source Country Sulfur “as is” FuelAdditive BP USA 8 0.539 0.465 Texaco USA 3 0.456 0.434 Citgo USA 560.555 0.495 Shell USA 9 0.406 0.373 Exxon USA 9 0.520 0.513 Petrobras BR487 0.292 0.250 Ipiranga BR 566 0.374 0.340 Texaco BR 549 0.410 0.371Petrobras BR 181 0.266 0.208 (biodiesel)

It will be clear to a person of ordinary skill in the art that the aboveembodiments may be altered or that insubstantial changes may be madewithout departing from the scope of the inventive subject matter.Accordingly, the scope of the inventive subject matter is determined bythe scope of the following claims and their equitable Equivalents.

1. A fuel additive concentrate comprising: an alkali metal nitrate; anda organic solvent.
 2. The fuel additive concentrate of claim 1, whereinthe alkali nitrate and organic solvent create a about 5% to about 10%solution.
 3. The fuel additive concentrate of claim 1, wherein thealkali nitrate is lithium nitrate.
 4. A fuel additive, comprising: theconcentrate of any of claims 2 in a ratio of 1 part concentrate to about10 to about 11 parts organic solvent.
 5. The fuel additive of claim 4,wherein the organic solvent is selected from isopropanol, methanol,ethanol, gasoline, diesel, biodiesel, C1-C12 hydrocarbons, C1-C6alcohols, and combinations thereof.
 6. The fuel additive of claim 4,wherein the organic solvent is ethanol or isopropanol.
 7. A process oftreating fuel, comprising: adding the fuel additive of claim 4 to fuelin a ratio selected from about 1 unit to a range of about 3000 to about20,000 units.
 8. A fuel composition which comprises gasoline and a fueladditive comprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.
 9. Afuel composition which comprises diesel fuel and a fuel additivecomprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.
 10. A fuelcomposition which comprises biodiesel and a fuel additive comprising analkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.
 11. A fuel compositioncomprising coal and a fuel additive comprising an alkali metal nitratein a organic solvent.
 12. A fuel composition comprising jet fuel and afuel additive comprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.13. A fuel composition comprising fuel oil and a fuel additivecomprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.
 14. A fuelcomposition comprising a gasoline-ethanol mixture and a fuel additivecomprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.
 15. A methodfor improving the operation of a gasoline-powered, artificial ignition,internal combustion engine, comprising providing to said engine a fuelcomposition comprising gasoline and a fuel additive comprising an alkalimetal nitrate in a organic solvent.
 16. A method for improving theoperation of a diesel-powered combustion engine, comprising providing tosaid engine a fuel composition comprising diesel or biodiesel fuel and afuel additive comprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.17. A method for improving the operation of a coal-powered boiler orpower plant, comprising providing to said engine a fuel compositioncomprising coal and a fuel additive comprising an alkali metal nitratein a organic solvent.
 18. A method for improving the operation of a jetengine, comprising providing to said engine a fuel compositioncomprising jet fuel and a fuel additive comprising an alkali metalnitrate in a organic solvent.
 19. A method for improving the operationof a boiler, comprising providing to said boiler a fuel compositioncomprising fuel oil and a fuel additive comprising an alkali metalnitrate in a organic solvent.